Police in Woorabinda, the Aboriginal community west of Gladstone and Rockhampton have warned that bringing alcohol into the community will not be tolerated. The process is known as “sly grogging” and is responsible for alcohol fuelled violence and other social problems stemming from alcohol in the community.
Police have issued a reminder to residents of the area that this practice of “sly grogging” will not be tolerated.
According to Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Kris Richards in an article on GladstoneObserver.com.au the police have seized a large amount of alcohol after intercepting vehicles in and around Woorabinda recently.
The post on www.GladstoneObserver.com.au goes on to explain:
“Since an alcohol management plan was implemented in our community in 2008, we have continued to step up our efforts to reduce alcohol-related incidents in Woorabinda,” he said.
“People being found in possession of alcohol in the community continues to be of concern, and we have responded to a number of incidents recently in which people have allegedly purchased liquor in other towns and have brought them into Woorabinda.
“Sadly, these people are taking advantage of the community. We believe they are selling banned alcohol at inflated prices, and encouraging binge drinking which has a profound negative impact on our area – including violent incidents, assaults and other anti-social behaviour.”
Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/police-issue-sly-grog-warning-after-incidents/2051718/
According to Sen. Sgt. Richards Woorabinda Police will be practicing a zero tolerance approach to sly grogging and will be taking action against anyone who brings or plans to bring alcohol into the community.
Roads around the area will be patrolled regularly and police will be visiting all licensed premises within a 200km radius of the town.
Sen. Sgt Richards also explained that police are relying on support and assistance of the public to ensure that the community is kept safe.
The post goes on to explain:
Sen Sgt Richards said Woorabinda Police had a zero tolerance approach to sly grogging.
“We will not hesitate to take action against anyone planning to bring alcohol into our community or who is found to be in possession of alcohol,” he said.
“Our proactive approach means we will continue to patrol all access roads leading to Woorabinda and will continue to work with all licensed premises within a 200 kilometre radius of our town.
“We value our partnership with the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and appreciate the support of the Mayor as we continue to roll out enforcement action.”
Community awareness and assistance from the public is a vital part of ensuring the Woorabinda Police are able to keep the community safe, Sen Sgt Richards said.
Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/police-issue-sly-grog-warning-after-incidents/2051718/
The article goes on to urge anybody with information about any person committing alcohol-related offences in Woorabinda to contact police on 4913 2333 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.